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Translogic 153: 2015 BMW i8

The 2015 BMW i8 is the second model in the Bavarian automaker's eco-friendly i-branded lineup. The i8's plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a 96-kilowatt electric motor to make 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Together, this gas-electric mechanical duo is capable of propelling the groundbreaking carbon-fiber sports coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds.
Join Translogic host Jonathon Buckley as he heads to Santa Monica, CA for a chance to drive the all-new BMW i8.

Pure black BMW i8 hydrogen fuel cell prototype on the track

Largely coated in matte black paint with just a few touches of dark blue contrast, the BMW hydrogen fuel cell-powered i8 prototype looks stealthy just sitting still. Now, that ninja-like styling is taking to the track in this video to prove that its performance doesn't come with much noise. The quiet hum of the tires and an odd whir from the rear are all that you hear coming. As this i8 prototype picks up speed around the circuit, the sounds that the drivetrain makes just get weirder. When moving slowly, you can pick out the usual whine that's expected from conventional electric vehicles. However at higher velocities, the coupe almost makes a noise like its constantly exhaling. Along with the recently unveiled BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo hydrogen-fueled concept, this sneaky looking i8 is part of BMW's technological push to become a greener automaker. The company is also prototyping a turbocharged engine with water injection and new plug-in hybrid powertrains. Although this low-slung coupe is by far the most attractive of that bunch. We might not be too far away from actually seeing this tech on sale on models bearing the Bavarian brand's roundel, either. Thanks to collaboration with Toyota, the company wants to have fuel cell components ready by 2020, and sales could start early in the decade. Hopefully all of the company's FCEVs look as menacingly great as this i8 by that time, though.

BMW revises X1 to tide it over until replacement

It's been over five years since BMW first introduced the X1 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a bit over a year since it brought the compact crossover to these shores. Soon the Bavarian automaker will replace the X1 with a new model based on the company's new front-drive architecture, but not before it gives it a few updates to keep it fresh.
Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month alongside the Z4 Pure Fusion Design and the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe, the enhanced X1 benefits from some new exterior accents, a spruced-up interior and new technology packed inside.
New air intakes in the bumper and integrated daytime driving lights distinguish the front end, with new wheel and color options available. Inside, certain versions get a new dashboard treatment, among other minor trim updates, and BMW has installed its latest ConnectedDrive suite to keep it up with the times. Scroll down for the full details.